Bushfire recovery plan endorsed

Mount Gambier’s Crater Lakes precinct is set to be in the spotlight with the rehabilitation plan for the iconic area endorsed at this month’s council meeting.

Approximately 11.3 hectares of pine trees were destroyed in the area during the fires in January 2022 and 960 trees require removal.

Landscape architects Oxigen prepared a bushfire rehabilitation plan to assist with the restoration of the fire affected area on the south western slopes of the Crater Lakes.

General Manager City Infrastructure Barbara Cernovskis said the report was developed in collaboration with a governance steering committee to investigate the history of the area, its cultural significance, the local ecology, revegetation plant selections, methodology on the removal of the trees and an overall implementation strategy.

Since the fire, most pine trees in that area have died and are now unstable. As a result, there are falling limbs and tops as well as uprooting and falling trees. These trees need to be removed as they pose a significant safety hazard to the public and are causing environmental issues such as erosion and difficulties with plant management and the eradication of pest weeds in the area.

“We also need to ensure the embankment can be stabilised in preparation for revegetation to restore the area and ensure its longevity,” Ms Cernovskis said.

Council and Oxigen will consult with surrounding landowners, residents and property owners, the First Nations community, key users and staff involved in the management of the site to seek feedback on the rehabilitation plan.

“This process will include information sessions and workshops and we are particularly interested in the thoughts of surrounding residents and stakeholders such as Tenison Woods College, Blue Lake Golf Links, Blue Lake Holiday Park, Lakes Apartments, the Mountain Bike Association and our First Nations community,” Ms Cernovskis said.

A final report will be presented to council to consider the feedback received from the key stakeholders throughout the engagement process. The report will also include reforestation and replanting considerations regarding the fire affected Bluegum trees and will also outline a rehabilitation timeframe as part of the second stage of the project.